Al Haymon

Al Haymon is a so-called advisor, manager, and/or promoter to many top African-American boxers in the United States. His brother Bobby (21-8) fought professional from 1969 to 1978 and was defeated by Sugar Ray Leonard (9-0).

Haymon grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and studied economics at Harvard University; where he earned a master's degree in in business administration. He began promoting for musicians while in school and worked with notables including The O'Jays, the Levert Family, M. C. Hammer, New Edition, Whitney Houston, and Mary J. Blige. A creator of 14 businesses, he too began the Budweiser Superfest concert series. Haymon claimed his companies grossed $60 million dollars in 1991 alone. Haymon also co-promoted the "Eddie Murphy Raw" comedy tour; which at the time was the highest-grossing comedy tour and comedy film ever.

Haymon's actual dealings and methods are in large part a mystery as he works by design solely behind-the-scenes, refuses media interview requests, and to hold face-to-face meetings. He has repeatedly, however, secured big matches for his clientele on major U.S. television networks including HBO and Showtime and has been criticized for creating easy paydays for his fighters. "Haymon's influence at the premium cable networks is unparalleled." said ESPN's Dan Rafael.